Amanda LeBlanc Opens Up About Balancing Work and Family

Maybe I'm hard on myself, but I have to say: I never feel like I strike the right balance between family and work.

Being a mom is the biggest and best gift God has ever given me. To take care of my two beautiful and sweet little girls (Marcelle, 8, and Ava, 6)  is the best thing I get to do.

However, I grew up in a home where both parents worked, and that's probably why I never think about not working.

In the beginning, when Dan and I were first married, it wasn't an option. We both had to work and I was happy to do it. When I had my first child, the thought that I should stay home (or the words from others around me?) crept into my mind. I was home for 12 weeks during maternity leave and I loved every minute of it. At the same time, I knew I needed to do something outside the home. Organizing is something that God intended for me to do. I truly feel that this is my gift AND my responsibility.

That doesn't mean it hasn't been hard.

No mom likes to be away from her babies. But I believe that what I do for a living has made me a better mother. I value the time I have with my kids. I am acutely aware that my  time with them is precious and it makes me more conscious of how I spend it. It's a quality versus quantity thing for me. I know stay-at-home moms who are with their kids for more hours during the day than I am with mine, but don't have the quality time that I get with my kids.

Everyone has a choice to make and they should do what's best for them. What guides me in balancing work and home is the belief that a mom has to take care of herself and be fulfilled in order to be the best mom she can be.

I have taken some heat in my time for not being a stay-at-home mom, but I know—from having a mom that worked—that my kids will be just fine. They live in a fun, stable home with a mom and dad who love God, love each other and love them. That's a lot!

Make sure you tune into The Amandas Monday nights at 8/7c on Style to see the organizing diva does it all!